30 March 2010 11:31

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United's 17-game unbeaten run away from home in the Champions League last season's final defeat against Barcelona in Rome aside came to end as Bayern fought back from Wayne Rooney's second-minute opener to claim a deserved lead ahead of next Wednesday's second leg at Old Trafford.

United manager Ferguson, while insisting that Rooney's away goal could prove crucial, conceded that Bayern will be a tough proposition in Manchester.

Related ArticlesRooney injury concerns easedCan United win without Rooney?Lyon 3 Bordeaux 1Champions League fixturesUnited horrorshowFerguson relishes Bayern contestFerguson said: 'An away goal is always an advantage, no question about that, so the tie is not dead. Bayern have a strong chance, but on our own ground, we should have a real chance of progressing. It's very tight.'

Bayern's goals late in the second-half, from Franck Ribery and Olic, were a result of mistakes by Gary Neville and Patrice Evra respectively. And Ferguson admitted that the mistakes were symptomatic of a sub-par performance by his team.

He said: 'We kept giving the ball away and we caused our own defeat. Bayern were the best team. We can't complain about that.

'Our possession wasn't good enough. It caused us to defend when we didn't need to defend. We gave it away too easily all night. Right from minute one, the possession wasn't up to our standard.

'It's hard to explain because our possession is something we pride ourselves on and it has been integral to our progress this year.

'Bayern's first goal was a bit of luck, these things can happen, but the last goal how can I describe it the game was done and it was a terrible goal.

'There was a lot of confusion. The ball caught between Evra's feet and he stumbled. It allowed Olic to get into the box.

'He was unlucky, but it wasn't a good goal to concede, that's for sure. But time and again, Edwin Van der Sar made the saves to keep us in the game and we have to admit that.

'It will be a different game at Old Trafford, though. We will certainly be much better and we won't be giving the ball way as much as we did tonight.'

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal insisted that Bayern's away record in Europe this season, that has seen them score 10 goals in four games, highlights their ability to hurt United at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal said: 'This is a reward for our attacking football, so the victory is very sweet. I think United have a very good chance, though, because they scored an away goal.

'I wanted to win 1-0 or get a 0-0. In comparison, 2-1 isn't the best result. But we have always scored in our Champions League games this season. We have scored a lot of goals away from home, so we can have a lot of confidence.'